It’s been a year since Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus was first identified in the United States. The disease now has hit 30 states and killed as many as 7 million pigs. Paragon Economics Professor Steve Meyer says USDA’s move to require reporting of PED V cases is a positive one that should have happened last summer when it became obvious the disease was spreading rapidly. Iowa Pork Producers President Jamie Schmidt of Garner says reporting could be helpful if it’s done properly.
Schmidt says retail pork prices reaching new record highs is not a surprise and could go higher later this summer when more of the losses become known.
He says every producer needs to be vigilant with their biosecurity and make it their top priority.
Schmidt says researchers are continuing their work in trying to find a vaccine for PED virus.